With just two games left on the schedule, the playoff-bound Rangers are just hoping to begin the postseason in one piece.
Two more injury scares surfaced in Tuesday night’s loss to the Hurricanes, which ended New York’s hopes at winning the division. Andrew Copp, recently back from injury, and Artemi Panarin, both left the game in the second period and never returned, adding more concern to a team that is already without Tyler Motte, and is just getting back Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil from their own injuries.
Fortunately for the Blueshirts, Copp and Panarin appear to be OK, though they will be held out of Wednesday’s game against Montreal to ensure their availability for the team’s first-round series against either the Penguins or Capitals.
“I hate to see it, but I'd sooner be cautious than not have them for when the games really matter,” Gallant said after Tuesday’s loss, adding that both Copp and Panarin could have returned to the game if it was necessary.
“I said ‘No, I need him back next week.’ I think if it was next week, we’d have them both back.”
With that in mind, Gallant will sit Copp and Panarin on Thursday, though Kakko and Chytil will play alongside Alexis Lafreniere to get some reps in before the playoffs. Given recent events, the Rangers are likely hoping those reps come without further injury concerns.
“We're going to rest some players obviously a little bit here,” Gallant said. “It's a good opportunity to do that.”
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